Using iMac, next step?

[vegepete]

Hello, I want to start a members forum linked to an organization website.

I am using Mac osX10.5.7 with latest updates but have limited experience with any of this, certainly no programming abilities, i merely update our website using dreamweaver. Also use Filezilla.

I have downloaded PHP Apache module and MySQL 5.1.35 hoping that i would successfully run the test script before purchasing vb but don't have the information required to complete the fields. i.e. Database, username, password.

What did i miss?

Also, as i search for answers i am baffled by the programing jargon, codes etc. Is a kook like me out of my depth or should i be able to stumble along to get a forum running?

Will the vb software be fairly user friendly once i've got it up and running?

Thanks for looking, hope you can help

vegepete

[SNN]

If you'd like to see if vBulletin is friendly on your end, you can always use the Administrator Demo.

If you don't know how to setup a server, locally or remotely, you should probably start off with a cheap webhost. Probably something like ASmallOrange or HostGator.

[beishe8]

Will the vb software be fairly user friendly once i've got it up and running?

Yes,it will be.

[blackfalcon]

forum softwares require absolutly no coding experience.

[feldon23]

Ok, I posted to this thread and it got deleted so I'm gonna try again.

Why are you installing Apache/PHP/MySQL on your Mac?

Are you going to host this forum from your own computer? is your internet connection reliable enough and fast enough for everyone to connect to your Mac to browse forums?

Running a test on your Mac is not going to tell you whether vBulletin will run well or not on your website. You say you are using Dreamweaver to build your website. Where are you hosting your website?

[vegepete]

thanks for the replies, I downloaded apache/mysql as i thought i needed them to run the vbulletin trial ( and subsequent forum)

Now i realise i needed to get the hosting sorted out as no, i do not intend on hosting this forum, only setting it up and admin/moderating it.

My website is hosted by 'eclipse' (uk) but the forum is for a separate organization so i will probably purchase a separate and more appropriate host.

What is the most cost effective way to secure a domain name and suitable host, i have read good reviews for deals such as hostgator and urljet but some recommend registering the domain separately. Why is this?

[feldon23]

Especially if you are going to use an especially cheap webhost, you do not want your domain name registered with the same company. In case of a dispute or they screw up and delete your account, you can always re-direct your website somewhere else.

If you have your domain and website at the same company, you can get completely screwed out of your domain name or have a broken website and no way to get back up and running quickly.